Mold in the home:

The first thing to understand about mold is that there is a little mold everywhere indoors and outdoors. Mold spores enter the home through doorways, windows and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold spores also enter the home on animals, clothing, shoes, bags, and people!

When mold spores drop where there is excessive moisture in your home they will grow. Common problem sites include humidifiers, leaky roofs and pipes, overflowing sinks, bathtubs, and planters. Mold can also grow rapidly in unventilated areas where there is steam such as shower stalls or bathrooms, kitchens (near cooking), and dryers exhausting indoors. You will especially find mold growth where there has been flooding.

Exposure to Mold

Everyone is exposed to some amount of mold on a daily basis, most without any apparent reaction. Generally mold spores can cause problems when they are present in large numbers and a person inhales large quantities of them. This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth. For some people a small exposure to mold spores can trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems. For others, symptoms may only occur when exposure levels are much higher.

The health effects of mold can vary. The production of allergens or irritants can cause mild allergic reactions and asthma attacks. The production of potentially toxic mycotoxins can cause more severe reactions.

Should I be Concerned About Mold in My Home?

Yes. If indoor mold is extensive those in your home can be exposed to very high and persistent airborne mold spores. It is possible to become sensitized to these mold spores and develop allergies or other serious health concerns even if one is not normally sensitive to mold.

Left unchecked mold growth can cause structural damage to your home as well as permanent damage to furnishings and carpets.

The Importance of Mold in the Real Estate Market Today

Much has been made of indoor mold in advertising and in the media recently, so it is a common concern for homeowners and buyers. It’s likely to find mold even in new homes. Whether you are selling your current home or looking into buying a new home you should consider getting a mold inspection. The presence of active mold can affect the resale value of any home.

For homeowners a mold inspection will either put your mind at rest or make you aware of any problems that could otherwise cause delays or become a “deal-breaker” once you have entered into negotiations with a buyer.

A professional mold inspection from Mold Solutions will provide you with a report from an expert before you put your home on the market. Imagine being able to show a “clean bill of health” to potential buyers that express concerns. They’ll be impressed by your thoroughness and commitment to your home.

For buyers, getting a mold inspection prior to closing a deal on a new home will ensure that you are not surprised by costly cleanup and the potential health hazards of mold. If any mold is found to be present and active in the home, the mold inspection will provide you with information to perform the cleanup prior to buying the home.